UPDATE: This reader’s comment is so spot-on that I had to move it to the front page. Thanks Jay Heiser.

He's almost echoing Bush's explanation for Islamic terrorism,
explaining "they hate our freedom," and he's so trapped within
the system of American cultural norms that he is apparently
unable to recognize all of the freedoms that come from having
access to an efficient and comprehensive system of non-auto
transportation.
I agree with his concerns about America's lack of economic
density reducing the potential for high speed trains, but
beyond that, it appears that George has lost his intellectual
edge. He recently wrote a column defending Exceptionalism that
was similiarly superficial.
Has the last great right-wing intellectual finally given up the
fight, succumbing to a numb recitation of bog standard Fox
talking points?

Nearly 100 years ago, the Panama Canal hosted its first passage, a watershed event that has influenced the landscape of shipping and transportation ever since. Now, the canal is due to rattle international trade once more, potentially reshaping the way sea-borne shipping and rail lines tackle business in the world’s largest consumer nation.

LOS ANGELES (CBS) — Metro says they are buying Union Station for $75 million and will turn the historical landmark into a modern transportation hub.

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transit Authority says the purchase will include 38 acres of land and 5.9 million square feet of entitlements that will give MTA the right to develop real estate around the downtown transportation hub.

Nearly two-thirds support state or federal funding for High Speed Rail, including those that live in Florida; one in five oppose, 15% unsure

NEW YORK, Feb. 24, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — President Obama announced in April 2009, and reconfirmed during his recent State of the Union address, his commitment to develop high-speed intercity passenger rail across the United States.

High-speed rail is a type of passenger rail transport between major cities that operates at substantially faster speeds than current intercity passenger trains in the U.S. It is designed to provide fast, reliable, and convenient service, operates using electric power and often includes onboard amenities such as food and beverage service and Wi-fi access.

The Harris Poll conducted an online survey among 2,566 adults between January 17 and 24, 2011 to gauge awareness, intention to use and position on funding for high-speed rail. At the time of the survey, there were ten proposed high-speed rail corridors across the United States(a). To-date, projects in California and Florida have been the most visible.

Nye was headlining National Engineers Week at Epcot when he commented on projects such as the stalled plan to build high speed rail in Florida. He said that every other advanced country in the world has high speed rail and that it’s politics holding us back.